Aboriginal Way | Issue 56 | April 2014

Aboriginal Way Issue 56, April 2014

A publication of South Australian Native Title Services

Adnyamathanha native title holders

Dieri native title holders

Native title rights achieved for two groups Native title rights for two Aboriginal groups in South Australia have been recognised in consecutive Federal Court hearings last month.

Firstly, parts of the Adnyamathanha native title application not determined in 2009, were finalised at Wilpena Pound Station on 25 February.

The determinations cover land to the South of Lake Frome including Glen Warwick, Curnamona, Telechie, Billeroo West and parts of townships such as Hawker, Blinman, Copley, Beltana,

Inside:

Lyndhurst and part of the Murnpeowie pastoral lease.

In conjunction with the determinations, the Andyamathanha people and the State Government executed an Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) over the determination area.

Richard Bradshaw, the Adnyamathanha claim group’s solicitor said the settlement of the entire claim through negotiation shows the Andymathanha people have strong connection to country.

“It is almost 5 years now since the first consent determinations were made by the Federal Court at Nepabunna. Since that time, Adnyamathanha have participated responsibly in discussions and mediation with other native title claim groups to reach agreement.

“The storylines of the Adnyamathanha people remain strong and real in this country, and continue to be taught to Adnyamathanha children. One of the main reasons why the Adnyamathanha have been successful in their native title

claims has been the fact that they have maintained their spiritual and physical connection with their land, uninterrupted since the coming of the white-man,” he said.

Vince Coulthard, Aboriginal Leader and Adnyamathanha Traditional Lands Association Chairperson, firstly welcomed people to the country and thanked everyone for attending. Mr Coutlhard spoke about how colonisation changed Aboriginal culture, food and practices. continued on page 4

Recognition Relay takes to the road again

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Native Title Act review

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PM commits to Closing the Gap by 2030

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Year ahead for Native Title in SA This year has already seen consent determinations for the recognition of further areas of native title for the Adnyamathanha and Dieri people, with further determinations planned for Wangkanguru/Yarluyandi and Kokatha later this year.

The Wangkanguru/Yarluyandi claim covers 80,000 square kilometres of the Simpson Desert, within both South Australia and Queensland. It is unique in that is has had dual native title processes needed to satisfy

both state governments’ requirements.

It is estimated to bring the total percentage of land determined to be covered by native title to nearly 50% of the state of South Australia.

Principal Legal Officer, Andrew Beckworth expects 2014 to be another good year for native title holders and claimants in South Australia, with another four claims, Wangkanguru/Yarluyandi, Kokatha, Uwankara and Yandruwandha/ Yawarrawarrka, and further areas of the Adnyamathanha claim, on track to be determined by the end of this year.

“Once we finalise these determinations this year, we will continue to progress other claims that haven’t had as much attention because they weren’t a priority of the Federal Court,” Mr Beckworth said.

As a result of the Karpany judgement in

The area of focus for new claims will be the South East corner of South Australia – with sufficient community interest, SANTS would like to see a claim lodged for the people of that area in the next 12–18 months.

title rights to fish in South Australia.

2013, SANTS would also like to conduct workshops with the South Australian Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, and with communities around South Australia to clarify native This understanding is essential for both parties: to give native title claimants and holders a proper understanding of their entitlements, and to prevent the department wrongly prosecuting native title holders or claimants.

New addition to Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park A popular campground in the state’s far north will now be included as part of the Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre National Park.

The site at Halligan Bay Point was part of the neighbouring Anna Creek Station, run by pastoralists S. Kidman and Co. The pastoralists decided it appropriate to make the site a formal part of the park for its ongoing use for travellers and tourists.

S. Kidman and Co. Managing Director Greg Campbell said the big floods of 2010 and 2011 had drawn a lot of interest from travellers wishing to visit Lake Eyre.

“It made sense to formalise the camping arrangements at Halligan Bay by expanding the national park to include the

existing facilities, and to allow for further camping options in later years,” he said.

Environment Minister Ian Hunter said it was always pleasing to see such generosity from a local company.

“Halligan Bay Point is one of two camping and viewing areas for Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre,” he said.

In 2012 as part of the resolution of the Arabana Native Title Claim, a co-management agreement was put in place over the park, resulting in joint management arrangements between the Minister and the Arabana.

The park includes the bed of Lake Eyre, the country’s largest salt lake, a number of dune systems and the lower reaches of the Cooper Creek System.

Aboriginal Regional Authorities update The State Government’s Aboriginal Regional Authorities plan has entered into its second phase, with Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation, Ian Hunter MLC, announcing the selection of four Regional Authority test sites in South Australia.

capacity to engage with and obtain views of the local Aboriginal community.

supporting community involvement in decision making.

Minister Ian Hunter said the program is a way for the State Government to engage with communities as it increases their governance skills, and gives Aboriginal people more power in the way they connect with government.

Following a phase of public consultations commenced in July 2013, communities were invited to self-nominate their governing bodies to participate in the policy implementation. A panel consisting of Local, State, and Federal Government representatives, and the South Australian Aboriginal Advisory Council met in February 2014 to assess potential candidates against six criteria to ensure they are ready for the policy implementation phase. The criteria included: regional coverage; a united and inclusive regional voice; strategic direction – nation building; governance capacity and skill base; existing level of engagement with government; and

“These moves are about increasing decision-making capacity and ensuring improved coordination and co-operation of local Aboriginal organisations and groups to govern themselves, as well as generate employment and business opportunities,” Minister Hunter said.

“A regional authority makes economic sense because it gives us better buying power and allows communities to control what they need and where to get it. For example the authority may oversee buying of local goods such as cars, petrol and food. It takes back control of our futures and allows us to be leaders rather than being led,” he said.

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Narungga man and Aboriginal leader, Klynton Wanganeen said the model has potential to build social and economic opportunities at a local level.

“A regional authority creating Aboriginal enterprises at a local level; it’s about engaging not only with existing organisations but also those organisations endorsing and

Aboriginal Way, April 2014

Mr Wanganeen said there has been no indication that a change of government will stall the development of the policy.

“Steve Marshall does not seem to oppose the policy but we will just need to see what happens in the next few weeks. I’m sure the department of Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation will provide more information in the coming weeks.

“I think it is important for both parties to know that this model, from my view, is not about Aboriginal communities being reliant on the government but

about gaining independent governance structures. Regional authorities will make engagement for service providers and all levels of government easier and a united front at the local level is strength.

It has flexibility to manage our own affairs dependent on environment, social and economic needs, and puts in place government procurement processes that enhance our capacity to do so.”

The test sites chosen are the Narungga Aboriginal Corporation Regional Authority (Yorke Peninsula), Ngarrindjeri Regional Authority (Lower River Murray), Port Augusta Aboriginal Community Engagement Group, and the Kaurna Nation Cultural Heritage Association (Adelaide Plains).

Prior to the election, the State Government committed to continued funding of the Aboriginal Regional Authorities program, to establish governance and capability training, and assist in the initial stages of setting up new Regional Authorities.

Recognition Relay takes to the road again

The Recognise relay has set off again on its epic journey across Australia, relaunching on Monday 10 March from Fremantle.

Hosted by Elders from the Whadjuk Noongar community, the traditional owners of the region, some 300 Fremantle locals turned out to welcome the Journey to Recognition and celebrate the opening of a new Aboriginal Cultural Centre in the city.

Whadjuk Noongar Elder Cedric Jacobs gave a generous welcome to country at the Fremantle event and said: “I invite you on behalf of our Elders to walk with us, at our pace, in peace and unity, as it will align us with the soul and spirit of our land. For after all, this land’s resources have been managed in a sustainable way by my ancestors for 50,000 years.”

The relay gives communities across the nation a chance to be part of the movement to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians in our country’s Constitution – and to remove race discrimination from it.

Noongar Elder Margaret Culbong of the Whadjuk tribal nation told the crowd that she particularly wanted to see constitutional recognition secured for future generations.

“The Journey to Recognition is about empowering our young people, both black and white, it’s about working together to build a stronger, positive future for all in our country. Learning

how we live together, accepting and acknowledging who we are, and respecting who we are,” she said.

Her granddaughter, Tiana Culbong also addressed the crowd and said: “It is now 2014 – a time for change; a time to move forward as a nation united; a time to remove a constitutional silence; a time to recognise Aboriginal people and our history in this country.”

“It is time to remove the divide between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people; a time to accept and acknowledge a shared history. By doing this, we can move forward together and share Australia’s future. I stand here to urge you to join the movement to make a change for a better future for us all.”

The Journey to Recognition began in Melbourne last May. Around 2000 people walked the first kilometre of the relay along the banks of the Yarra – led by AFL legend Michael Long, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders and federal political figures from right across the party spectrum.

Small relay teams of Recognise campaigners have since covered almost 16,000 kilometres by foot, bike, 4 wheel drive, kayak, surfboard and paddle board. They have visited more than 90 communities and had contact with more than 7500 Australians.

The Journey travelled through South Australia mid last year, with campaigners

walking from Bordertown all the way to Adelaide on foot, then driving along the route of the seven sisters songline to Uluru, visiting communities in remote parts of the State.

When the relay arrived in Adelaide, Port Power became the first of the AFL clubs to throw its weight behind the Recognise movement with club greats Gavin Wanganeen, Byron Pickett, Chad Wingard and Jake Neade joining the journey in its walk through the Adelaide CBD amongst the big crowd that turned out that day.

Campaigners finished the last leg in Perth last December, when a crowd of 1500 was welcomed by Noongar Elder Len Collard and heard support for recognition from AFL legend David Wirrpanda and actor Ernie Dingo.

From Fremantle, the Journey to Recognition will travel through the south-west of WA, stopping in Mandurah and the Roelands Village – once the site of the Roelands Mission – before walking from Bunbury to Augusta over 10 days.

The WA leg of the Journey will end in Esperance, before campaigners head north to Queensland.

Locals are invited to community events in each town on the way.

The re-launch of the Journey to Recognition coincided with the opening of the Fremantle Aboriginal Cultural Centre honouring the thousands of years of culture, tradition, knowledge and achievements of the Whadjuk Noongar people.

To find out more visit www.recognise.org.au

Judgement disregards prior extinguishment on Yappala lands On 19 February 2014, judgement

Land Corporation (ILC) meant that prior

was handed down by Justice John

extinguishment may be disregarded.

Mansfield in the Adnyamathanha Number 3 native title claim over Yappala, near Hawker in the Southern Flinders Ranges of South Australia.

The claim area included perpetual leases and freehold lands. Such tenure typically extinguishes native title rights and interests as they comprise an exclusive grant of land title which is inconsistent

His Honour confirmed that the

with the exercise and enjoyment of native

purchase of the land by Indigenous

title rights and interests.

The Court had to consider whether or not this extinguishment of native title could be disregarded given that the lands are now held for the benefit of Aboriginal people living in the area.

Section 47A of the Native Title Act provides for historic extinguishment to be disregarded where the area is held expressly for the benefit of, or is held on trust, or reserved, expressly for the

benefit of, Aboriginal peoples or Torres Strait Islanders.

This is a significant win paving the way for a future native title determination for the Adnyamathanha No 3 claimants.

The case is also an important precedent which will influence the recognition of native title over many other ILC purchased properties in South Australia.

Aboriginal Way, April 2014

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Native title rights achieved for two groups continued from page 1 “Firstly I would like to thank everyone for coming here. But what I said then in language was, that a long time ago European people came to this country.

They brought along jam, sugar, flour, and they gave it to my people. And my people thought that was great. It was a different taste but it was great. They hadn’t realized what was happening.

“In 2009 we were successful at bush court at Nepabunna. That was a very special day. The people, my people were happy. And we are happy today.

“Native title means that we can continue our traditional practices in peace.

My culture is a vital part of everything I do. We Adnyamathanha people are lucky that our culture is still strong and our language still spoken fluently.

“I have also made a commitment to sharing my culture not only with the younger generations of Adnyamathanha people but also members of the wider community,” he said.

Adnyamathanha elder Geraldine Anderson, recalls the start of her people’s journey for native title recognition.

“I remember when we first started fighting for native title. It was like a tree

growing, and every time a new leaf would grow in one direction, we would be pulled in another.

Frank Warren, Director for the Dieri Aboriginal Corporation recalled growing up on Mumpee.

“Now that we have our native title, I feel we have gained so much in our lifetime and we can enjoy our land without having to worry that someone might be looking over our shoulder. We can hunt for food and enjoy our land, and that is what native title is all about, our rights to use the land the way we always have,” she said.

“There are lots of important sites on Mumpee that are of great significance to the Dieri people. This is the reason that I am so happy that we have been able to sort out that overlap with neighbours and that we are here today for the consent determination

The next day at the Cooinda Club, Port Augusta, the determination of Dieri 2 native title claim was made by Judge White, covering approximately five thousand square kilometres of land, also including parts of Murnpeowie station, or known to the Dieri as Mumpee, that was not included in Dieri’s first claim.

Stephen Kenny, the Dieri People’s solicitor said the land around Murnpeowie station is very significant to the group.

“To many of us Mumpee may seem like a fairly harsh and desolate environment, but I can assure you your honour the Dieri people who lived there recount a very wonderful and happy childhood in what they consider to be a very important place to them spiritually and emotionally,” said Mr Kenny.

“I consider I was one of the lucky ones growing up on Mumpee. That’s where I began to walk, and Aunty Alice and Aunty Renee used to take good care of me. My life was great growing up as a child. I remember we lived in a humpy, a bush shed, which was near the main homestead on Mumpee.

“When I lived there, there were lots of people settled at the time, family, relatives and I know we have a strong spiritual connection to that country, and I still feel it now.

“Many Dieri people put a lot of work into the consent determination, and I would like to acknowledge the work that they have done. Today, we can be proud,” said Mr Warren.

Judge White, in his comments at the Adnyamathanha Consent Determination said “the Adnymathanha people and the Dieri people are to be congratulated on reaching that agreement. Making two determinations on the one occasion is not usual.”

Justice White again congratulated the groups at the Dieri Hearing.

“Negotiations usually involve some give and take and a willingness to respect the views of others, and that’s what has occurred here. It is good that the Adnyamathanha and the Dieri peoples have reached agreement, they are to be congratulated.”

He said the decisions under the Native Title Act are about celebrating and preserving Aboriginal culture rather than denying it.

“It is worthwhile recalling how things were in Australia only 50 or 60 years ago. The policy of assimilation had it that Aboriginal people would be absorbed into the wider Australian community.

“Today instead of denying Aboriginal history and wishing for its destruction, the court makes a public statement in recognition of it and makes a public statement which will and should assist in its preservation,” said Justice White.

The consent determinations recognise the non-exclusive native title rights to access, hunt, fish, camp and to gather and use the natural resources. They recognise the right to undertake cultural activities, conduct ceremonies and meetings, and protect places of cultural and religious significance on respective determined areas.

Clockwise from top left: Mark McKenzie Snr, Terrence Coulthard and Roy Coulthard; Justice White and Vincent Coulthard; Todd Irlam, Rell McKenzie, Dolcie Wilton, Karmy Coulthard and twins, Ruby and Eli Johnson; Pauline and Diedre McKenzie; Megan Blight, Ronald Coulthard and Bronte Abrahams; Sue Coulthard, Shayden Rigney Coulthard, Marlene Coulthard and Devon Barnes.

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Aboriginal Way, April 2014

From top, left to right: Willie Dawson, Chris Matthews and Kerrie Standley; Keryn Wiseman, Sophie Gepp, Andy Naylom, Brenda Naylon, Jeffry Naylon, Leeanne Warren and Hailie Strangways Coutlhard; Bianca Dodd and Tamara Jharral Warren; Alice Lander, Betty Stewart and Mavis Dadleh; Keran Stewart; Dieri native title holders and observers; Federal Court in session; Willie Dawson and Fattie the Kangaroo; Leeann Adams and Laurel Dodd.

Above, left to right: Adnyamathanha native title holders; Richard Bradshaw and Angelina Stewart; Minister Hunter MLC, Andrew Beckworth and Peter Tonkin.

Aboriginal Way, April 2014

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Caring for Country and Culture restores traditional owner custodianship of rock-holes park

Above: Allan Wallace. Right: Cameron Wheelock.

The rock-hole complexes throughout the Gawler Ranges are of cultural significance to the native title holders. The rock-holes and associated granite landscapes are also of ecological significance, comprising of isolated patches of mature vegetation with a high level of plant and habitat diversity and providing the only natural surface water resources across the region.

On Thurlga Station, the project Caring for Country and Culture is jointly applying cultural and western knowledge to restore and protect rock-holes through an integrated NRM approach. As a partnership between pastoralist Ian Morris, the South Australian Native Title Services and the Gawler Ranges Aboriginal Corporation, the project is delivering on-ground land management activities focussed on control of feral goats and weeds such as Horehound, seed collection and revegetation and the cleaning of rock-holes. Four members of the

Aboriginal community have been engaged to undertake the on-ground activities, providing them with employment and training opportunities, as well as the experiences that come with working on country.

The project team has constructed two permanent water point trapping yards and in January the project team successfully trapped and trucked off the property over 1500 goats from the Tandaie rock-hole area. The yards are designed to operate in the height of summer when the rock-holes are dry, and after a prolonged dry period and in the absence of other available water-points, the infrastructure proved very successful.

The project team has also been reintroducing perennial groundcovers through direct seeding. These sites will be destocked for a number of years to assist in the regeneration of low lying Chenopod shrub land which has been historically overgrazed and degraded.

With funding allocated through the Commonwealth Government’s Biodiversity Fund for the next two and a half years, the project will progressively restore the water harvesting capacity of rock-hole complexes by removing sediment, and reduce threats to associated landscapes and biodiversity.

Caring for the rock-holes continues to be an important part of contemporary Aboriginal life, to maintain cultural values and connection to country. This project is a great illustration of cultural and pastoral interests working in partnership to achieve cultural, ecological and economic outcomes for all.

‘It has been a pleasure getting to

The ALRC is releasing an Issues Paper

consultations please see contact details below.

know and working with the Working on Country lads Cameron, Cliff and Tristan, and has been a very rewarding process seeing them learn new skills and grow in confidence while spending time on country. Allan, who is also a traditional owner, has been a fulltime employee at Thurlga for the past three years. He has relished his role as supervisor, and has been an invaluable resource of knowledge and leadership’. Ian Morris, pastoralist Thurlga station.

Native Title Act review The Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) is calling for community input into its review of the Native Title Act. In August 2013, the ALRC was asked by the Attorney-General, the Hon Mark Dreyfus QC MP to inquire into Commonwealth native title laws and legal

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frameworks. Specifically, the ALRC Inquiry will be addressing two major issues: 1. Connection requirements relating to the recognition and scope of native title rights and interests; and 2. any barriers to access to justice posed by the authorisation and joinder provisions for claimants, potential claimants or respondents.

Aboriginal Way, April 2014

in mid-March and will call for submissions, asking people to respond to questions in the Issues Paper and provide general feedback.

During the submission period in early May, the ALRC team will travel to Adelaide for face-to-face consultations.

If you would like to contact us about

To find out more about the Native Title Inquiry and subscribe to inquiry updates, visit the ALRC website: alrc.gov.au/ inquiries/native-title-act-1993.

To contact the ALRC Native Title team, phone (02) 8238 6300 or email nativetitle@alrc.gov.au

Get kids to school: your children’s future starts today The Remote School Attendance Strategy is aimed at increasing school attendance rates of Indigenous children in remote areas from the start of Term 1, 2014.

Through the Strategy, remote

The Strategy targets an initial 40 communities in remote locations around Australia and aims to improve school attendance by engaging local people in each community to get children to school.

working with schools, parents and

The Strategy is a partnership between the Australian Government, state and territory governments, schools, the Remote Jobs and Communities Program (and other employment providers) and remote Aboriginal communities.

communities with poor school

Information for communities

attendance rates will receive School Attendance Supervisors and Officers to help improve attendance rates, families to make sure that all children

School – don’t miss a day Families are telling the Government they want a good education and a better future for their kids. The Remote School Attendance Strategy is about working together – with schools, families, parents, and

go to school each day.

community organisations to ensure all children go to school every day.

A School Attendance Supervisor

Why do children need to go to school every day?

will be employed to guide and

It’s the law that all children in Australia go to school, each and every day.

mentor School Attendance Officers

Going to school every day and getting a good education leads to a better

working in their region. School

future. Children should only miss school when they are sick. Parents need

Attendance Officers will be local

to let the school know when a child is too sick to attend, and need to check

Aboriginal people who are active

with the school that it’s okay for the child to be away for religious, ceremonial

members of the community.

or cultural times.

They may include mums, dads, carers,

What about children living in remote communities?

uncles, aunties or grandparents.

It is just as important for children in remote communities to go to school every day as it is for those in the city. Many children in remote communities are not going to school every day, with attendance in some communities very low.

We need to increase attendance rates in remote schools, so all children get a good education.

How will the Remote School Attendance Strategy work?

The strategy will be implemented in partnership with communities and schools in locations in New South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory, from Term 1 2014. The strategy is designed to be driven by the community, and adapted to the different needs of different communities. School Attendance Supervisors and School Attendance Officers will be engaged to help children get to school. A small fund will be available to assist the School Attendance Officers work with families for things like shoes and uniforms.

What will the School Attendance Supervisors and School Attendance Officers do?

These are local people from the community and may be participants in the Remote Jobs and Communities Programme. They may be mums, dads, caregivers, aunties, uncles or grandparents who want to work to help kids in the community get to school. They will help parents and families to make sure their children have what they need to go to school each day.

They can help with things like: Talking with children and families about the importance of regular school attendance.

• Working with families where children are not attending school to find out why and what can be done to lift poor attendance rates.

• Walking children to school or making sure they get on the bus.

• Providing practical support like transport to school, assistance with school lunches, uniforms, homework or after school care.

• Working with the school to monitor attendance and follow up on student absences.

• Celebrate and reward improved attendance.

• All Supervisors and Attendance Officers will obtain working with children checks and participate in work-related learning activities.

What about the School Enrolment and Attendance Measure (SEAM)?

The Remote School Attendance Strategy is designed to work alongside SEAM, by working with parents, schools and communities to encourage more kids to go to school each and every day. Where other strategies aren’t working and children are still not attending school, additional support through SEAM may be considered in some cases.

How will the Remote School Attendance Strategy work with other activities in the community?

Getting kids to school is everybody’s business. Local councils, shops, sporting groups and other organisations will all need to get involved and help out.

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Social Justice and Native Title Report TWENTY YEARS ON Last year marked the 20th Anniversary of the introduction of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, and with it, the annual Social Justice and Native Title Report.

Current Commissioner, Mick Gooda, used last year’s report to reflect on the progress of the past 20 years and deliver 14 recommendations to the Government regarding the future of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights and policy making.

Looking back on the Commission’s efforts since 1993, Mr Gooda reflects that there has been some progress in a number of areas including health equality, family violence, acknowledgement of the Stolen Generation and the campaign for the Constitutional Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as Australia’s First People. However, he also notes that in other areas there has been little to no progress. These areas include alcohol management, interactions with the criminal justice system, and the policy approaches of the Federal Government. The Commissioner takes lessons from past successes and failures and uses them to present his recommendations for a stronger future for Aboriginal Australia.

The report highlights the strengths of using the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People as the compass for Government policy making, and recommends the Government make use of this framework

as a guide, particularly in the area of alcohol management. It also notes the importance of producing a National Strategy in line with The Declaration.

This would involve a framework of self-determination and participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and the respect for, and protection of culture, ensuring that equality and non-discrimination are remembered in all processes.

This strategy aims to increase Aboriginal communities’ control over their policies and projects and ensure that Governments play a supporting role, rather than dominating the process.

Mr Gooda notes that the roadmap for our future should involve 3 consistent themes: Rights, Relationships and Responsibilities. This relates to the human rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people being met, the relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, and the Australian Government, and the responsibilities of both the Government, to deliver on its commitments, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to take ownership of community issues.

While providing constructive feedback on previous and current Indigenous policy, Mr Gooda is hopeful for the future, under the new Abbott Government: “If we manage to stay the course with the things that are working and make the fundamental shift to putting our communities in control now, I am very optimistic that all of our children will be given the opportunity to grow up to be happy and healthy adults, proudly carrying our culture forward for generations to come.”

The Social Justice Commissioner’s 2013 recommendations to Government 1. Continue the multi-party approach in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs and base change to existing policies on rigorous evidence and consultation with communities.

2. Engage with the National Implementation Strategy to give effect to the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

3. Include the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in its definition of human rights.

4. Conduct a Referendum for Constitutional Recognition within this Parliamentary term.

5. If the constitutional amendments for recognition proposed are different to those recommended in the Expert Report, consult with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples before going to Referendum.

6. Continue to engage with the National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples.

7. Invite the National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples to participate in relevant Council of Australian Governments (COAG) processes.

8. Commit to the Closing the Gap agenda and the annual Closing the Gap Reporting to Parliament.

9. Negotiate a new National Partnership Agreement on Closing the Gap in

Indigenous Health Outcomes, with a minimum investment of $777 million over the next three years.

10. Commit to supporting and implementing the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan 2013-2023, and working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

11. Finalise targets as part of the Closing the Gap Strategy, focussing on increasing community safety, reducing imprisonment rates, and improving outcomes in child protection for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

12. Reintroduce and support the Native Title Amendment Bill 2012 (Cth).

13. Consider the following outstanding recommendations in the Native Title Report 2009: Amend the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) to shift the burden of proof to the respondent when the applicant has met the requirements of the registration test.

That the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) provide presumptions in favour of claimants, including presumptions of continuity in the acknowledgement and observance of traditional law and custom and of the society.

14. Continue to support the National Anti-Racism Strategy.

Letters Patent Anniversary marks time for action Last month a gathering was held at Government House to celebrate the anniversary of the 1836 Letters Patent.

The Letters Patent were added to the provisions of the South Australia Foundation Act 1834 by King William IV. It gave recognition of Aboriginal people’s rights to the lands they occupied prior to European settlement.

The Letters Patent 1836 included the words: “Provided always that nothing in those our Letters Patent contained shall affect or be construed to affect the rights of any Aboriginal Natives of the said Province to the actual occupation or enjoyment in their own Persons or in the Persons of their Descendants of any lands therein now actually occupied or enjoyed by such Natives.”

The occasion marked the 179th Letters Patent Day.

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On the day, Members of Parliament were invited by the United Aboriginal Movement for SA Change to listen to Aboriginal political leaders and supporters of the Letters Patent; and to openly discuss the State’s progress towards democratic representation of Aboriginal people in the parliament.

indentured Treaty and Bill of Rights for South Australia; and their implications for International Indigenous political alliances and Aboriginal sovereignty. We will not rest until we have our voices heard in parliament, and we have our rights under the Letters Patent”, said Kaurna Elder Lynette Crocker.

by providing seats designated to Aboriginal members.

Lynette Crocker, Kaurna Elder and Chief Executive Officer of the Aboriginal Political Party said it was King William IV’s order in the Letters Patent that land rights were recognised but the path of history has ignored his command.

“Successive governments have not done what they were required to do. Instead they took and are still taking our land,” she said.

Klynton Wanganeen, Narungga leader said “The Letters Patent is about our right to our land as First Nations people.

It also gives us the opportunity to engage in the upcoming state election to get our people into Parliament.”

At the gathering, Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation Minister Ian Hunter said it was important that government and Aboriginal communities were armed with the necessary expertise to take this journey together.

The Aboriginal Political Party is assisting Aboriginal parliamentary candidates.

Members will act on behalf of the Aboriginal people of South Australia based on their rights and interests.

“By supporting Aboriginal people to undertake governance and leadership training and programs, we will equip leaders with the knowledge and tools to enable them to create a lasting legacy of progress and success that their community can build upon,” Mr Hunter said.

“We require South Australia to address the 1836 Letters Patent issues of constitutional change including: designated seats in parliament,

Aboriginal Way, April 2014

The Aboriginal Political Party is calling for proper representation in parliament

On the anniversary at a gathering at Camp Coorong, Labor announced new legislation that sets out the guiding principles for consultation and cooperation between government and Aboriginal communities.

Remembering the Stolen Generations: 6th anniversary of the National Apology Reconciliation SA held two events for the anniversary of the national apology. Firstly, a corporate breakfast at the Convention Centre, followed by a family BBQ at Botanic Park with a focus on health, social and emotional well-being.

Reconciliation SA was pleased to welcome Ken Wyatt AM, MP as the Keynote speaker at the annual anniversary breakfast.

The Hon Ken Wyatt said the apology continues to resinate within parliament.

“The apology gives hope to an aspirational future and acknowledges the pain and grief and what has been fought for in terms of the healing process amongst leaders.

“I believe that the apology changed the minds of many who have a role in legislative context in every state and territory parliament because it caused them to reflect, it caused them to think about what it was, what it is and what it can be.

“And if we continue with this journey forward, than the next step is to have

recognition in the Australian constitution,” said Hon. Ken Wyatt.

Mark Waters, Reconciliation SA Manager said the day is about commemorating and celebrating the Apology, and remembering the Stolen Generations. “It is also about asking the question, what would recognition in the constitution mean to members of the Stolen Generation and does this take a step further towards healing and reconciliation, because mainly it is about this journey of healing that we are all on,” he said.

Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Nigel Scullion said the anniversary of the National Apology is a timely reminder of the historic day.

“The apology was a moving experience for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and it is fitting that this important anniversary is acknowledged,” he said.

The Apology to Australia’s Indigenous Peoples was delivered by then Prime Minister Kevin Rudd on 13 February 2008, and acknowledged in particular the Stolen Generations.

From top, left to right: Breakfast participants; Paul Senior, Megan Walsh and Sherilee Kartinyeri; Mark Waters and Commissioner Khatija Thomas; Mark Waters and Lowitja O’Donaghue; Clockwise – Nicole Clark, Alex Vickery, Colin Darcy, Leahna Vandenheuvel, John Briggs, Paul Case and Emma Hamilton; Didge McHughes and Ivan Copley; Roma Aloisi and Shane Tongerie; Breakfast participants.

Aboriginal Way, April 2014

9

PM commits to Closing the Gap by 2030 Prime Minister Tony Abbott delivered the 6th annual Close the Gap Report on 12 February, providing a review of the progress of key targets and outlining actions to achieve Indigenous equality by 2030.

The Close the Gap Campaign was officially launched in 2007, following a stark reminder of the widening divide between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians in areas such as education, income, housing and health, revealed in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner’s Social Justice Report 2005.

The Close the Gap Campaign set out six targets, in the areas of early childhood, schooling, health, economic participation, home life, community safety and government and leadership skills and opportunities, to be achieved by the year 2030.

Since the first annual Close the Gap Day, held in March 2007, over 200,000 Australians have signed the online petition and formally pledged their support for Closing the Gap by 2030, and in March of 2008 the Rudd Government signed the Close the Gap Statement of Intent, formally agreeing to meet the six targets by their individual deadlines.

In addition to the Prime Minister’s report, the Close the Gap Campaign Steering Committee released an annual Progress and Priorities Report. The Steering Committee report stated that three of the six targets are on track, but there has been little progress on two targets, and the Indigenous employment statistics have shown the gap between Indigenous and nonIndigenous employment to be widening.

The report provides a number of recommendations for the new Australian Government, and highlights that it is the opportunity gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians that is resulting in the health and life expectancy gap. When equal access to quality, and culturally appropriate, health care is achieved, the long term benefits in terms of maternal, child and psychological health, and rates of chronic diseases will be felt. This has been achieved in a number of communities through the development of the ACCHS – Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services,

which have increased by 30 services nationally since 2008, and delivered over 400,000 additional episodes of care.

child will attend school every day.”

of full attendance rates and a guide for

This move is supported by the ALP and

supporting adequate attendance.

The Steering Committee considers health care to be the primary factor in achieving the Close the Gap targets.

“Good maternal and childhood health enables full brain development, which will assist in closing the gap on education, and decreases the proportion of chronic disease in the long term.”

Additionally, the report highlights that physically and mentally healthy individuals lead to healthy families, and healthy communities, which are then able to support school attendance and encourage employment. Most important is the positive impact that health has on the self-determination of communities, and the ability to actively drive community development, as defined by the communities themselves.

Council, whose Chair, Warren Mundine,

The importance of self-determination and community development is shared by the Australian Government, opposition and Indigenous community leaders.

In response to the release of the report, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said “Success will only come when Aboriginal people are central to the political process, not just subject to it… Let us empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, teachers, nurses, not-for-profits and business to tell us what works – rather than demanding policies that fit the rhetoric of the moment – an approach that empowers, not directives from the top-down.”

While agreeing on this partnership approach, the Prime Minister highlighted two different priorities in his first annual Closing the Gap Report. The Australian Government’s number one priority is getting children to school, followed by getting people into real jobs, and ensuring the ordinary law of the land is observed. In his introduction to the PM’s Report, Mr Abbott said “Everything flows from meeting these three objectives”.

The PM’s Report also highlighted the shift in focus from Government actions to the actual lives and experiences of Indigenous Communities.

Whilst assessing the Close the Gap targets, the Prime Minister has added an extra goal to the original six. On announcing the new target Mr Abbott said “We are all passionate to close the gap. We may be doomed to fail, I fear, until we achieve the most basic target of all: the expectation that every

10 Aboriginal Way, April 2014

the Government’s Indigenous Advisory

The Close the Gap Report concluded that “achieving health equality by 2030

has made a “personal commitment”

is an ambitious yet achievable task”.

to achieve a 100% attendance rate

The Steering Committee has urged the

by the end of the year.

new Australian Government to “stay the

To achieve this new goal, the Minister

course” and continue to strengthen to

for Indigenous Affairs, Senator Nigel Scullion, has announced a new Remote School Attendance Strategy. Speaking on the value of school attendance Senator Scullion said “A child who attends school less than 80 per cent of the time has no chance of passing the curriculum.

Last year, only 13 per cent of children in

national effort. Stating that “Staying on course will require continued action to ensure that the current “green shoots” of progress are nurtured and allowed to develop fully. “In the PM’s Report, Mr Abbott committed to address the inconsistencies and overlaps in the administration of the delivery of Commonwealth-funded Indigenous

Aboriginal communities in the Northern

services. To solve this issue, and

Territory attended school to a sufficient

increase the efficiency of Indigenous

extent to have a chance of attaining that”.

services, the Prime Minister has brought

In order to improve school attendance

the administration from eight different

rates the Strategy plans to employ

government departments, into the

an additional 150 school-attendance

Department of the Prime Minister and

officers, who will work to support schools

Cabinet. Mr Abbott has emphasised the

and parents in getting children to school

“personal” importance of this issue and

by providing transport, lunches, uniforms,

is said ‘’Our challenge is to turn good

homework assistance and follow up

intentions into better outcomes”.

on students who fail to attend school.

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten will

In addition to the funding of the 400

urge Mr Abbott to adopt three new

school-attendance officers, the School

targets proposed by Labor, relating

Attendance Strategy has initiated an

to higher education, criminal justice

advertisement campaign encouraging

and disability support. He will defend

students to attend school, and created

Labor’s record and plead with Mr Abbott

information sheets for both parents and

not to discard the work of the Rudd and

communities outlining the importance

Gillard governments.

The Close the Gap Steering Committee’s Progress and Priorities Report 2014 calls on the new Government to: • Expanding health services to respond to health needs on a regional basis • Continue to build partnerships with Indigenous communities for project planning and service delivery • Drive an integrated response to health issues that looks more deeply into social and cultural factors influencing the health of Indigenous communities • Implement the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan for 2013-2023 and the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Suicide Prevention Strategy 2013 • Work in partnership with Indigenous Communities to empower communities to take responsibility for their health

Goal 1: Close the life-expectancy gap within a generation (by 2031) LITTLE PROGRESS While the statistics on the progress of this target are underwhelming, the 10% decrease in daily smoking rates for Indigenous Australians since 2002 (from 51% of population over 15 in 2002, to 45% in 2008, to 41% in 2013-14), and the dramatic improvement in maternal and early childhood health will begin to have a positive impact on Indigenous life expectancy in the future.

Goal 2: Ensure access to early childhood education for all indigenous four-year-olds in remote indigenous communities within five years (by 2012) ON TRACK Indigenous pre-school enrolment rates of 88% were recorded for 2012.

Data for 2013 is only expected later this year, but enrolment is on track to meet the 95% target.

Goal 3: Halve the gap in reading, writing and numeracy achievements for children within a decade (by 2017) LITTLE PROGRESS Taking the statistics from the NAPLAN (National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy) results for schooling years 3, 5, 7, and 9, improvement is only shown in two out of eight areas – Year 3 and Year 5 Reading skills. In these areas the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students reaching or exceeding the National Minimum Standard had closed significantly.

However, the size of the gap is not consistent over all of Australia. There are significant differences in the size of the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students in metropolitan and rural areas, and the gap in remote communities. This is highlighted by the shocking statistic released by Mr Abbott, that only 31% of rural Indigenous students are meeting the national standard in reading skills for Year 9, compared to 81% of metropolitan Indigenous Year 9 students.

Goal 4: Halve the gap in mortality rates for Indigenous children under five within a decade (by 2017) ON TRACK Between 1998 and 2011 the child mortality rate for Indigenous children decreased by 32%, resulting in a 37% narrowing of the child mortality gap.

This target is will be achieved by 2018, if the present recorded rate of decline continues.

Goal 5: Halve the gap in Indigenous Year 12 achievement by 2020 ON TRACK The 2006 Census found 47% of Indigenous Australians aged between 20 and 24 had completed Year 12. The completion rate has climbed steadily, to 53.9% in 2011, and will complete the goal ahead of schedule if completion rates continue on this trajectory.

While this improvement is significant, the disparity between urban/rural and remote rates of Year 12 completion is still high. The Australian Bureau

NAIDOC week 2014 – Serving Country: Centenary & Beyond The 2014 NAIDOC theme announced early February is Serving Country: Centenary & Beyond.

Government to organisations and

The theme honours all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women who have fought in defence of country, including those who have served with honour and pride in Australia’s military conflicts and engagements across the globe.

the National NAIDOC Awards and the

NAIDOC week provides an opportunity for Australians to recognise the role these people have played in shaping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander identity.

during NAIDOC Week and at the National

As part of NAIDOC Week, hundreds of events will be held across the country to encourage all Australians to learn about, experience and celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

opportunity for national exposure to

Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians “to nominate fellow community members for these awards, which highlight the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”

The celebrations to be held from 6–13 July are supported with more than $2.2 million from the Australian

There are 10 award categories, including the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Award nominations close on 23 April, and award recipients will be honoured NAIDOC Awards Ceremony and Ball on the Gold Coast on Friday 11 July.

A poster competition provides the upcoming Indigenous artists, with the National NAIDOC Poster displayed across Australia in workplaces, schools and community organisations.

The annual poster competition includes a $5,000 prize for the winning design, which will become the image for the 2014 National NAIDOC Poster. Entries close on 28 March.

For entry forms and further information on NAIDOC Week, visit www.naidoc.org.au or call your nearest Indigenous Coordination Centre on 1800 079 098.

Indigenous language programs will not

Indigenous Affairs, the Hon. Nigel

only improve the well-being of Indigenous

Scullion, and the Minister for

communities, but will assist in Closing

the Arts, Senator Hon George

the Gap and encouraging Reconciliation.

Brandis QC, announced an additional $2.6 million in funding

20-24 had Year 12 (or equivalent) qualifications, compared to only 38.5%

language preservation projects,

in remote areas.

taking the total Australian Government investment to over $13 million for the 2013-14 period.

GAP WIDENING

National NAIDOC poster competition.

The new Federal Minister for

to be allocated to new Indigenous

(by 2017)

Nominations have also opened for

New government funding for Indigenous languages

of Statistics found that in 2012-13 68.1% of Indigenous Australians aged

Goal 6: Halve the gap in employment outcomes within a decade

communities holding NAIDOC events.

The new funding comes as a result of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs 2012 Report

In the period between 2008 and 2012-13 the employment rate of Indigenous

into language learning in Indigenous

people aged between 15 and 64 had dropped from 53.8% to 47.8%, while

communities. This Report found that

in the same period the employment rate of non-Indigenous people aged

language is a fundamental element

Senator Brandis said that the new funding, which will support an additional 42 language activities, will “enable communities to develop culturally appropriate learning resources across a range of new media and through partnerships with schools, cultural organizations and libraries”.

In many cases this will involve the digitization of resources, through the construction of webpages, audio/visual material, smart phone phrasebook apps and interactive resources.

of Indigenous peoples’ connection

There are currently 61 Indigenous

to culture, kinship, land and family.

Language activities being supported

It further confirmed that language is the

by Australian Government Funding,

Get Involved

“foundation upon which the capacity to

11 of which are being performed by

learn, interact and to shape identity is

community groups and organizations

Sign the online petition at Oxfam.com

built”, and concluded that investment in

within South Australia.

15-64 increased.

Aboriginal Way, April 2014 11

Harold Hunt receives Order of Australia for work with Aboriginal communities When Harold received his OAM he didn’t know what to think.

lecturing and working closely with communities,” said Mr Hunt.

“It could have been a bingo prize; I didn’t really know what to make of it and was pleasantly surprised.

This year on Australia Day, Mr Hunt was awarded with a Medal of the Order of Australia for his service to Aboriginal communities in NSW over the past 40 years.

“It’s good to know you’re work is recognised,” he said.

Growing up in western NSW and working as a shearer from a young age, Mr Hunt developed alcohol problems early on in life and struggled with alcoholism for 27 years.

Mr Hunt moved to Sydney and started working as an Aboriginal Health Counsellor in the early 70s. He developed skills along the way; he stopped drinking and decided to use his experiences to help others.

“When I first started for the health commission, there were only a few of us Indigenous health workers. I knew I had to learn more skills and take risks, but I was a hard worker, I started

Today he is working on developing new training models for counsellors, but Harold said a lot more needs to be done.

“Alcohol is the most destructive single element in our society. Given the opportunity, I would like to put a task force together to tackle these problems associated with alcoholism in our society.

“Counsellors need to be retrained as the system is not working and people need to start learning new skills based on community needs.

“I would like to keep working as it is important for elders to be involved – things need to change and a lot more can be done, given the chance,” said Mr Hunt.

Above: Harold Hunt with family members.

NACCHO newspaper launched Working with Aboriginal community controlled and award-winning national newspaper the Koori Mail, NACCHO aims to bring relevant information on health services, policy and programs to NACCHO members and key industry stakeholders at a grassroots level.

Justin Mohamed NACCHO chairperson said “We have learned that most of the communication around these important Aboriginal health areas

tend to float around the top echelons of the government and non-government sectors.”

“Our intention is to broaden the reach of this information, landing in the waiting rooms and tea rooms of community health clinics, community centres, program offices and other places accessed daily by primary health care workers and our clients.

“While NACCHO’s website and annual report have been valued sources of information for national and local Aboriginal health care issues for many years, the launch of NACCHO Health News creates a fresh, vitalised platform that will inevitably reach audiences beyond the boardrooms,” Mr Mohamed said.

NACCHO will leverage the brand, coverage and award-winning production skills of the Koori Mail to produce a 2028 page three times a year, distributed as a ‘lift-out’ in the 14,000 Koori Mail circulation, as well as an extra 5000

copies to be sent directly to NACCHO member organisations across Australia.

“This is a tremendous leap for the dissemination of health information across our Aboriginal population,” Mr Mohamed noted. “Never before has such valuable and relevant health information become so accessible to this sector.

If you have a message or job opportunity you want to get into the Aboriginal primary health care sector, NACCHO Health News is your ideal media.”

The first edition of NACCHO Health News hit the presses on 17 November 2013 and was promoted heavily via various media channels and social media outlets.

To book an advertisement and/or have your article considered for publication, please contact the NACCHO media team on 02 6246 9309 or email media@naccho.org.au SUBSCRIBE for FREE: send your name and postal address to media@naccho.org.au

Left: Board Director of the Koori Mail Trevor Kapeen presents the first copy of Australia’s first Aboriginal health newspaper to Chair of NACCHO Justin Mohamed on the opening day of the NACCHO AGM in Perth.

Radio program

Aboriginal Message… …is recorded weekly at Radio Adelaide.

12 Aboriginal Way, April 2014

If you have an interesting story or event that you would like to share on radio, please contact Kaliah Alice on (08) 2110 2834 or email aboriginalmessage@nativetitlesa.org

Survival Day 2014 at Semaphore Foreshore A Free Event on the Semaphore Foreshore supported by Tandanya Aboriginal Cultural Arts Centre marked the anniversary of Survival Day (Australia Day Sunday 26 January).

Traditional Dance, Food, Live Music and Community Stalls.

Janet Milera from Dreaming Connection photography took some lovely photos at the event.

People came along to support our Aboriginal community on Survival Day. There was a Flag Raising Ceremony,

Clockwise from far left: Jack Buckskin and daughter performed as part of Kumo Karo Dance Troup; Deborah (living in Ballarat) and Michelle Milera bought their children to Survival Day; Information Stalls; Kura Yerlo Kids performing; Colleen Raven and Natalie Harkin; Stephen Goldsmith.

Alberton Oval to host Indigenous Aussie Rules academy Port Adelaide’s home ground, Alberton Oval, will host an Aussie Rules training academy for young Indigenous talent. The program, created in conjunction with the South Australian Aboriginal Sports Training Academy (SAASTA), will work closely with the Port Adelaide Football Club, SANFL clubs, and Adelaide high schools to recruit talent and support students who earn a place at the academy.

This year, the Academy has accepted 30 students from grades 10 – 12. The students will work on improving their Aussie Rules skills, while also studying a TAFE certificate in sport and recreation, in order to achieve their high school SACE requirements.

Acceptance into this program means that the selected student will get access to Port Power’s training and facilities at Alberton Oval for one day per week for 40 weeks.

The education emphasis however will remain strong. In order to remain a part of the program, students must maintain an 80% attendance rate and score minimum C grades in all their subjects.

South Australian Premier Jay Wetherill is enthusiastic about the academy’s future.

“We want to make sure that our young Aboriginal students are fully equipped for work and life,” he said.

“We want to make sure that they can still pursue their football careers but not neglect their studies.” In order to achieve this, the Premier has allocated $3.5 million annually to fund the program.

Opposition leader Steven Marshall agrees that the Academy’s program will greatly benefit its students, and has committed to continuing the annual funding amount, should Labour lose the 2014 State Election.

“Keeping our children fit and healthy is important and we should be doing everything we can to encourage our children to participate in sport and fitness activities.” Mr Marshall said.

The benefits of sporting programs have been documented worldwide, and extend beyond physical and mental wellbeing. The positive effects of social and personal development provided by sports programs lead to a decrease in problematic and anti-social behaviour, and instead improve community cohesion and provide employment opportunities for participants and mentors.

Aboriginal Way, April 2014 13

DEADLINE

Would you like to participate in a Reconciliation art event?

The closing date for competition entries will be Thursday May 15th at 5pm. All entries will need to be submitted to NAML by this time, marked attention to:

Do you have a creative side and an interest in Reconciliation?

Jodus Madrid 2 Peachey Road, Edinburgh North SA 5112 You are welcome to drop it off in person or you can arrange for it to be picked up if necessary.

Do you live in the Northern areas of Adelaide?

PRIZES Entrants will be eligible to win the following prizes across 2 categories:

If you answered yes to these questions, a competition is going to be held for you on the Thursday 29th of May, 2014 at the Northern Adelaide Medicare Local.

• Best Aboriginal Representation of what Reconciliation means to you

Competition Theme: RECONCILIATION

1st Prize: $500 2nd Prize: $250 3rd Prize: $150 • Best Non-Aboriginal Representation of what Reconciliation means to you 1st Prize: $500 2nd Prize: $250 3rd Prize: $150

Reconciliation is about building better relationships between the wider Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people for the

WHEN & WHERE

To create positive change we need more people talking about Reconciliation and coming up with innovative ideas and actions that make a difference.

The competition will be held from 11am until 2pm on Thursday May 29th, 2014 at the Northern Adelaide Medicare Local at 2 Peachey Road, Edinburgh North SA 5112.

We would like to make a positive contribution to the Northern Adelaide community during Reconciliation Week (May 27th to June 3rd) by providing an opportunity for you to create a piece of art around the theme of Reconciliation

SCHEDULE

We will exhibit the artworks here at the Northern Adelaide Medicare Local throughout Reconciliation Week, and for a further month following the event.

RECONCILIATION ART COMPETITION

This is a great opportunity for the competition winners to be acknowledged as emerging artists and have their art promoted on future Northern Adelaide

th

Exhibition viewing

10:30 - 11:00 am

Welcome to Country

11:30 am

NAML Reconciliation Reps Speech

11:45 - 12:00 pm

Winners announced

12:00 - 12:15 pm

BBQ lunch

12:30 - 1:30 pm

NAML walk through

1:30 - 2:00 pm

Close

2:00 pm

May 29 2014

APPLICATION FORM

Artwork Details

Please complete this application form (including the signed consent statement at the bottom of this page) and return to the Northern Adelaide Medicare Local.

The details you provide below will be used on a plaque that will be displayed with your artwork whilst it is being exhibited.

Multiple entries are welcome. Please ensure an Application Form is completed for each entry.

CONTACT NAML 2 Peachey Road, Edinburgh North SA 5113 13 Elizabeth Way, Elizabeth SA 5112

Name of artwork:

Postal PO Box 421 Elizabeth SA 5112

Participant Details

Phone Brief description of artwork:

08 8209 0700

First Name:

Fax Last Name:

08 8252 9433

Community:

Email

applicable) (If applicable)

enquiry@naml.com.au

Contact Number:

Website

Please indicate the number of guests that you would like to bring to the event:

Consent Statement

www.naml.com.au

✂

Postal Address:

For all enquiries regarding the competition, please Jodus Madrid.

Email

Mobile

jmadrid@naml.com.au

0423 761 655

I hereby give permission to Northern Adelaide Medicare Local to display the submitted artwork in the NAML Reconciliation Art Competition Exhibition.

Permission is also given to NAML and its employees to reproduce my artwork for promotional purposes (ensuring that I am acknowledged as the artist). was produced by local artist Rhiannon Sparrow.

Signature: Date:

14 Aboriginal Way, April 2014

from the Australian Government Department of Health.

paper tracker The Anangu Lands Paper Tracker is an online project of Uniting Care Wesley, Adelaide.

The website tracks government commitments to Anangu (Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara people). It publishes accurate, up-to-date information on projects and services that are important to Anangu.

The Paper Tracker aims to make it easier for Anangu to work with governments as equal partners. It helps Anangu make sure governments are following through on commitments.

Aboriginal Way will assist Paper Tracker by highlighting some of the issues it is following.

Rent payments in APY communities Housing SA is responsible for the maintenance and management of most Anangu housing on the APY Lands.

This includes calculating and collecting the rent from its Anangu tenants.

As of 31 December 2013, Housing SA had tenancy agreements in place with 336 households on the APY Lands.

The average rent for these properties was $72.05 per week.

On 10 January 2014, Housing SA advised the Paper Tracker that at the end of last year 55 of these households (16%) had been more than 20 weeks behind in their rent payments.

The current review, headed up by the South Australian Commissioner for Victims’ Rights (Mr Michael O’Connell), is overseen by a “review committee,” comprising representatives from a range of agencies which are signatories to the existing protocols Child protection jobs still empty on APY Lands In 2008, the Mullighan Inquiry into child sexual abuse on the APY Lands called for two child protection workers to be based on the APY Lands to respond to mandatory notifications.

Although the State Government promptly accepted this recommendation, recruiting and retaining staff in these positions has proved difficult.

On 27 November 2013, the Minister for Education and Child Development (Hon Jennifer Rankine MP) advised Parliament that both of the positions were “currently vacant”.

One position has been vacant since August 2012 and the second position since December 2012. Every effort has been made by Families SA Coober Pedy office to fill both positions, however it remains difficult to attract suitably qualified and skilled social workers who are willing to live in a very remote area.

Child protection protocols under review In October 2013, the South Australian Government commenced a review of its APY child protection protocols.

New legislation for Aboriginal Lands Trust

The protocols – developed in response to the recommendations of the Mullighan Inquiry – have been operational since 2011.

Last month, the South Australian Parliament passed legislation to overhaul the operation of the Aboriginal Lands Trust.

The protocols provide a “framework” for the way government agencies and non-government organisations respond to child protection notifications. They are also supposed to hold each agency

with staff from the Aboriginal Affairs and

The Paper Tracker has been monitoring the review of this legislation since March 2008. This included recording a radio show interview in February 2013

If you’d like to know more you can

Reconciliation Division.

Go to papertracker.com.au to access electronic copies of each profile.

contact Paper Tracker on (08) 8202 5867 or subscribe to their newsletter at www.papertracker.com.au

Our column in review features reviews and stories on Aboriginal writers, artists and musicians. We welcome your feedback and suggestions. So if you know of a new work about to published or an artist or musician please contact us on (08) 8110 2800.

For Love of Country by Vonda Last

The Minister’s advice continued:

The Paper Tracker has been monitoring the Government’s response to this specific recommendation of the Mullighan Inquiry since mid 2008. For the past two years the Government has maintained that this recommendation has been “fully implemented.” However, the Paper Tracker considers this claim to be misleading given that, since mid 2010, one or both of the positions have usually been vacant.

Housing SA also advised us that it had referred 64 of its APY tenants to Centrelink for an assessment in the last six months of 2013 for the purpose of recovering outstanding rent arrears and/or making it easier for these tenants to pay future rent on time.

While the legislation has not yet come into operation, its passing marks the culmination of almost a decade’s work by the Government’s Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation Division.

The Trust – established in 1966 – holds the titles for more than 60 properties including two Anangu communities (Umoona and Yalata).

Vonda Last is a Wongai woman who grew up in Kalgoorlie surrounded by music and singing. Vonda wrote ‘For Love of County’ in honour of the hundreds of South Australian Aboriginal men and women who served in the Australian Defence Force.

Vonda’s strong vocal and rhythmic guitar articulates a story about love, pride and duty for our Island home. Her song shows both the fragility and honour of war and does well to promote a subject that has often been disregarded by history, and ignored within the context of popular Australian culture (including music).

The production of the song was fully supported by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander War Memorial Committee, funded by the Gladys Elphick Awards and Reconciliation SA. Launched last November, The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander War Memorial was built to honour the thousands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service men and women. This remarkable memorial now sits at the Torrens Parade ground, Adelaide.

in review

If you want more information on any of these items log on to www.papertracker.com.au

accountable for its role in the provision of services to children and young people who have been or who are at risk of being abused or neglected.

Aboriginal Way, April 2014 15

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN NATIVE TITLE SERVICES

FOSTER CARERS NEEDED

Level 4 345 King William Street ADELAIDE SA 5000

Editor Keith Thomas

URGENTLY

Communications Officer Kaliah Alice

Aboriginal Family Support Services are looking for family based carers who are committed to providing safe and culturally appropriate homes.

Advertising Enquiries (08) 8110 2800

You can be single, couples, with or without children.

Circulation 10,000

If you are willing to provide assistance with emergency, short term, respite or long term foster care, we would love to hear from you.

Contact Linda now on (08) 8205 1500

Aboriginal Family Support Services Inc LET’S MAKE A DIFFERENCE

If you have any stories of interest to our readers, please address any correspondence to: editor@nativetitlesa.org

Stay in touch Name: _________________________________________________________________________________ Aboriginal Way South Australian Native Title Services Level 4 345 King William Street ADELAIDE SA 5000 Ph: 8110 2800 Fax: 8110 2811 FREECALL: 1800 010 360

The Editor has the final decision on all stories and advertising that appear in this publication.

Address: _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ Postcode: _______________________ Phone: ______________________________ Email: _____________________________________________ DX no: _________________________________________________ No of copies: ____________________ Is this an alteration to our current records?

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16 Aboriginal Way, April 2014

ISSUE 56